YEAR 3
OC Foundation Course
What is the OC Foundation Course?
OC Test Preparation Course
The OC Foundation Course offers students an engaging introduction to OC (Opportunity Class) test preparation. Taught by Mr. Paul, this comprehensive course is designed to familiarise students with key concepts and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
Each week, Mr. Paul introduces new topics and guides students through the learning process.
During the course, Mr. Paul provides clear explanations of each concept, offering guided examples of the types of questions students can expect. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to actively practice solving questions on their own. By employing exam-style strategies, students will develop a solid understanding of various question types and learn the most effective methods for solving them.
The course focuses on three main subjects:
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Mathematical Reasoning,
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Reading and
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Thinking Skills
To ensure continuous growth, new topics will be introduced every week throughout the term. This progressive approach enables students to continually build upon their knowledge and hone their problem-solving skills.
Students will be taught exam-style strategies for understanding a variety of question types and the best methods for solving these questions.
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"What is this question really asking?"
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"How can we solve this in the quickest way?"
The OC Foundation Course is not just about memorising formulas or techniques; it's about nurturing critical thinking and analytical skills. By the end of the program, students will be better prepared to tackle OC questions with more confidence.
The OC Foundation Course is specifically designed for students in Year 3, with the course commencing in Term 4. By participating in this course, students will gain a solid foundation in OC education, setting them up for success in subsequent years.
How is the OC Foundation Course different to the OC Testing Course?
The Foundation Course gives students an opportunity to have the questions explained in detail first before putting what they have learned to the test. They will gain an understanding of exam-style questions, and the ability to work through the strategies with Mr Paul's guidance.
What is the OC Testing Course like in Year 4?
Starting from Term 1 of Year 4, students enrolled in the OC Testing Course will initially be given a test to complete independently. Following the completion of the test, Mr. Paul will review all the questions with the students, providing detailed explanations and clarifications.
By attending the OC Foundation Course, students gain a significant advantage and develop a sense of confidence when it comes to tackling OC tests. The comprehensive understanding and strong foundation they acquire through the Foundation Course better equip them for success in the OC Testing Course.
Overall, the Foundation Course serves as a crucial stepping stone towards success in the OC Testing Course, as it equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in OC tests.
Course details
We offer physical (face to face) lessons as well as online lessons.
FACE TO FACE
PHYSICAL CLASSES
YEAR 3 OC FOUNDATION COURSE
FEES & SCHEDULE
Term 4, 2024 (11 week term):
Start date: TBC
End date: TBC
Lesson time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fees (full-term tuition fee paid in advance)
Tuition fee: $60 per week
Total for Term 4: $660
MATERIALS
Materials for this course will be given to students during the lesson each week.
ONLINE
ZOOM CLASSES
YEAR 3 OC FOUNDATION COURSE
FEES & SCHEDULE
Term 4, 2024 (11 week term):
Start date: TBC
End date: TBC
Lesson time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Fees (full-term tuition fee paid in advance)
Tuition fee: $55 per week
Total for Term 4: $605
MATERIALS
Materials for this course will be made available to students for download each week.
HOW TO ENROL
Click here to submit a form with your child's enrolment details.
An invoice will be emailed to you for payment.
FURTHER DETAILS
For more information, please download the newsletter by clicking the button below.
General OC Information
What are Opportunity Classes?
Opportunity Classes located in NSW public primary schools cater for academically gifted Year5 and Year 6 students with high potential. These classes help students learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, using specialised teaching methods and educational materials at the appropriate level.
What are the benefits of being in an Opportunity Class?
Enrolling in an Opportunity Class (OC) offers numerous benefits for academically gifted students, making it worthwhile to invest time and effort in OC test preparation. The unique learning environment of OCs provides a range of advantages that can empower your child's educational journey.
Tailored Learning Environment: Opportunity Classes are designed to cater to academically gifted students, creating an environment where they can learn at an appropriate pace and depth. This personalised approach allows students to explore their interests and talents more comprehensively.
Intellectual Stimulation: The curriculum in Opportunity Classes is enriched and challenging, providing students with intellectually stimulating content that goes beyond standard education. This exposure encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of subjects.
Like-Minded Peers: Students in Opportunity Classes are surrounded by peers who share similar academic abilities and interests. This fosters a supportive community where students can learn from and motivate each other, leading to a more engaging and enriching educational experience.
Specialised Teaching: Teachers in Opportunity Classes are trained to work with gifted students, utilizing innovative teaching methods and strategies. They can identify and nurture each student's strengths, helping them reach their full potential.
Confidence and Self-Esteem: Excelling in an academically challenging environment boosts a student's confidence and self-esteem. As they achieve success and recognition for their abilities, they become more self-assured and motivated to pursue their goals.
Schools with Opportunity Classes
Schools with Opportunity Classes
In 2023, Year 5 Opportunity classes in NSW Primary Schools are offering a total of 1,840 placements across 77 schools.
Most schools offer either 15 or 30 OC placements, but there are a few exceptions with higher capacities to accommodate a greater number of students:
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Artarmon Primary School and Woollahra Public School: Both Artarmon PS and Woollahra PSstand out by offering 60 OC placements each for the year 2023.
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Aurora College: Aurora College offered 100 virtual OC placements for 2023 (remote and online).
For the full list of primary schools providing OC placements, along with the number of placements offered by each school, please click here:
Full List of Year 5 Opportunity Classes and Placements
Who can apply for OC?
There are residency requirements for applicants:
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A student's family must be living in NSW by the beginning of the school year of entry. -
A student must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen to enrol in an Opportunity Class.
When can we apply for the OC Test?
To apply for the Opportunity Class (OC) test, it's essential to keep track of the application dates as they may vary each year. Typically, applications open towards the end of the first school term.
We highly recommend regularly checking the Opportunity Class
application page. This page will provide you with up-to-date information on application timelines and deadlines.
Additionally, we will also send reminders to our OC students as the application date approaches, so you stay informed and can submit your application on time.
What is the selection process?
To be considered, students must sit the OC Placement Test. Students are ranked in order of academic merit based on their performance in the OC Placement Test.
You can apply for up to two schools with opportunity classes in the order you prefer. Offers are made on the basis of your order of choice. Where students qualify for both schools, they will be offered only their first choice of school. Mr Paul will conduct meetings with parents who need guidance regarding school choices based on their past performances.
What is the OC Test like?
The test will be in multiple-choice format, consisting of reading, mathematical reasoning and thinking skills.
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Reading - 30 minutes - 25 questions
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Mathematical Reasoning - 40 minutes - 35 questions
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Thinking Skills - 30 minutes - 30 questions
When will we know the OC test outcome?
The OC outcome is usually released around October. An email will be sent to parents when the outcome becomes available.